Local artist Federico Carosio honored by Green Companies

Pictured are Elizabeth Green of the Green Companies and artist Federico Carosio.

A reception for a new exhibit by artist Federico Carosio created a festive holiday party for guests at the Green Companies Dadeland Centre II on the evening of Dec. 16.

Elizabeth Green of the Dadelandbased firm said the purpose of the company’s lobby gallery is that, “It’s good for the community; It will bring people together.”

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Carosio said he is a self-taught artist who began doodling as a two-and-one-half-year-old child. Later moving to Soho, New York, he began a professional career in 1974.

When next settling in Miami in 1979, Carosio said he realized his passion for painting South Florida’s tropical landscapes, for which he is most well-known today.

Commenting on the realism of Carosio’s work, Green said. “When you drive [down the streets depicted in his paintings], it feels like that with the shadows. The detail is amazing.”

Carosio has been twice nominated for the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, singled out for his portrayal and promotion of Florida through his work, and rich colors that capture the intense light of the area.

His work has been featured on the posters for the South Miami Art Festival, Pinecrest Fine Art Festival and Key Biscayne Art Festival. His work also has won the coveted “Best of Show” award multiple times.

“I’m glad I do what I love,” Carosio said. “Each piece is a work of love, like a child; finishing a piece is a birth. I am looking for homes for my paintings, adoptive parents rather than buyers.

“Buy my work. They tell me it will be valuable when I’m dead and I’m not feeling too well,” added Carosio with a laugh.

The Carosio exhibition can be seen at the Green Companies Lobby Gallery in Dadeland Centre II, 9150 S. Dadeland Blvd., or by visiting online at www.carosioarts.com.